Police identified the child as Cooper Villano as the traffic investigation continues.
5-Year-Old Killed Near Foxon and Bennett Roads
East Haven police identified a 5-year-old boy killed after being struck by a vehicle near Foxon Road and Bennett Road on Thursday, Sept. 17. Police said the crash was reported at about 3:21 p.m.; the child was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The child was identified as Cooper Villano of East Haven. The driver remained at the scene, according to police.
The crash happened directly across from the East Haven Fire Department’s Foxon Fire Station. Firefighter-paramedics immediately responded and performed lifesaving measures at the scene, fire officials said.
Traffic Unit Investigates East Haven Crash
The South-Central Connecticut Traffic Unit took over the investigation. Foxon Road between Hunt Lane and North High Street was closed while officials investigated, NBC Connecticut reported.
Police and fire officials did not announce a cause for the crash or provide information about possible charges in the reports reviewed.
East Haven Schools Prepare Support
Police said they had been in contact with administrators at East Haven Public Schools, who were prepared to provide support to students and staff affected by the death.
The East Haven Fire Department said peer support was made available to the firefighters who responded. “There are calls that firefighters carry with them long after they leave the scene,” the department said in a Facebook post. “This is one of those calls.”
Flowers, Candles Mark Scene in East Haven
Neighbors gathered Friday near Bennett Road, placing flowers, candles and teddy bears at the corner where the crash occurred, according to NBC Connecticut.
“Its just difficult, it's never something you hear about especially in our community, he’s loved, he’s so loved,” Gina Macholl said.
Neighbor Gloria Cruz said she heard the impact from her home and saw people running toward the stop sign. She described the neighborhood as one big family.
“I’m going to miss that little angel coming down the street with his little sister and stroller and mommy pushing them down the street to get his brother,” Cruz said.
The East Haven Little League also issued a statement mourning Villano’s death, saying the ballfield would feel different and that there would be “an empty spot in the dugout” and “an empty place on the field.”
The East Haven Fire Department asked for privacy, compassion and support for Villano’s family and loved ones as the investigation continues.
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